"This bill seeks to provide a fiscally responsible solution to the recommendations provided by the Task Force, while ensuring the continued care of the state's neediest residents," said Yamada, D-Davis. "Developmental centers serve a critical role in our communities and we have to work together with consumers, staff, family members, regional center directors and advocates to lay a concrete path for meaningful transformation."

AB 2349 would create within the State Department of Developmental Services an Office of Community Care Coordination, to be located on the Sonoma Developmental Center campus. With input from various stakeholders, this new office will prepare the Sonoma Developmental Center to take on the responsibility of developing the range of services a "placement of last resort" and "acute crisis clinic" must be equipped to handle.

The Sonoma Developmental Center is the largest employer in the Sonoma Valley and currently serves the needs of about 500 residents. The Office of Community Care Coordination will facilitate a smooth process for those developmental center residents and staff that might transition into community care environments, Yamada said.

This bill is a practical response to the Task Force's recommendations for the developmental centers while considering the best interests of the residents of the Sonoma Developmental Center, Yamada concluded.